"This was all just a game; a game for revenge". He never meant these words but he said them, and in front of her, ignoring the sound of his breaking heart and controlling his hands from wiping her tears. Manik Malhotra, the monster of space gave up...
The next morning, remembering the events of last night, Alya had gotten up almost an hour earlier than her usual routine and was standing in front of her wardrobe trying to pick out an outfit when her phone rang. Fearing it was Dhruv calling to say he was reaching, she picked out the dress right in front of her and ran towards her phone.
Seeing her bestie's name flashing on the screen, she frowned. As far as she knew, Mukti was not an early riser. Sliding the option to answer, she wondered what catastrophe could have befallen her best friend for her to be up at 6:30.
"Sup Mukti? How did you wake up so early today? That too after a party."
But hearing the answer, she was left shocked.
"Alya. I slept. Main so gayi (I slept), without any help. No medicines, no alcohol, nothing. I just hit the bed and crashed. No nightmares, no attacks, not even a dream. "
In the six years that Alya had known Mukti, the latter had always suffered from Insomnia. The constant fights between her parents during childhood had snatched her sleep and peace. It took her moths of therapy and a prescription drug for her to finally be able to have a mere 6-hour rest. But today, suddenly, with absolutely no help she had fallen asleep with the peace she had forgotten the existence of.
"Are you sure, Muku, did you take those pills again, or some drinks at the party perhaps."
Sighing in frustration, Mukti continued explaining. She had been contemplating these questions for the last 15 minutes. She couldn't believe it herself. After witnessing the scene between Harshad and Navya the night before, she had given up hope of ever recovering. She had even resorted to the strongest anti-depressants to keep herself away from the blade, but today morning, she felt relaxed, as if all the problems life threw at her were past her. She felt like a human again, a person who deserved peace.
"No, I did not take anything. The party was too lame, after that judge-scene, I simply talked to a few other students, who were congratulating us and then I came out to go home............. Alya, I really need to talk to you. Main tujhe Cafe Cole's pe milti hoon (I'll meet you at Cafe Cole's). Get ready, I'll be there in 15."
Hearing the last sentence. Alya's eyes widened. Before she could help it, she let out a shout in protest.
"NO!...............Actually, I left my car at college yesterday. I'll meet you directly in SPACE."
"K. I'll pick you...."
"No need, Dhruv is already on his way here, I'll come with him."
Although a little suspicious at this new duo, Mukti let it go and went on to get dressed mentally noting to take an appointment with her therapist.
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Manik kept staring at the screen, expecting a magical response. He was still in the previous night's clothes, with the exception of his messy hair and opened top two buttons of his shirt.
